As DNA denatures as a result of being heated up, could the backbone also break, or is it just the two strands that separate?

Are there any instances where the DNA backbone does break? I know that the bonds between the phosphates and OHs are very strong, and you always hear about the bases separating but not the backbone (which is on the outside, so it should make sense that the separating force will get to it first). When IS the DNA backbone attacked? Have there been studies done that specifically target the strength of the DNA backbone and its ability to hold out against damaging forces?

Just heating should normally not degrade the backbone, so only the 2 strands will separate. In order to cut the backbone:- restriction enzymes will cut it in specific sites- shearing forces or other mechanical forces can do it too (at no specific site though), that is why it is not recommended to vortex minipreps after the lysis step.

Patrick

Science has proof without any certainty. Creationists have certainty without
any proof. (Ashley Montague)

DNA consist of three component i.e., Sugar (deoxyribose), Base ( Purine and Pyridine), Phosphate group. DNA backbone made up of alternative sugar and phosphate are held together by Phosphodiester bond. Phosphodiester bond is a covalend bond, so energy is required to more for breaking phosphodiester bond. Two strands are held together by weak bond i.e., "Hydrogen bond". This bond can easily disturb by heat, as compare to DNA backbone. In the phosphodiester bond has phosphate group bear negative charge. This -ve charge compensated by basic protein histone (made up of arginine And lysine and histine.) When their "ph" change disturb the DNA backbone. But i don't know that fully disturb, I think not fully disturb because presence of phosphodiester bond.